Larnaca police are investigating an attempted kidnapping after a 51-year-old man reported that three unknown individuals tried to force him into a van on Thursday evening.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 7.20pm when the man contacted authorities, saying he had been attacked by three suspects.

The 51-year-old said that he had been at home with a 36-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man when they noticed a van parked nearby with three people inside.

The vehicle raised suspicion, prompting the two men to investigate.

As they neared the vehicle, three masked assailants allegedly attacked them.

Both men apparently resisted, causing the assailants to flee on foot, abandoning the van.

Police examinations revealed that the vehicle carried licence plates registered to another car.

Officers also recovered a pistol with an empty magazine and other evidence from inside the vehicle.

Both the 51-year-old and the 72-year-old sustained minor injuries.